How to fix broadband problems

Tag : extension sockets


If your high-speed connection crawls along like a snail or you'resuffering wireless signal woes, don't panic! Here, we show you howto correct common broadband problems and share our top tips fortaking your Wi-Fi to the next level.
PART ONE: CONNECTION PROBLEMS
Test if your BT line is working One of the first things to try is to check if your broadbandproblems are related to your incoming BT line (if it does, theproblem isn't something you can fix yourself - you'll need to speakto BT or your ISP). The majority of people in the UK have an NTE5master socket (at which BT wiring ends and yours begins). You caneasily unscrew the lower half of this and remove the faceplate.Doing so will disconnect all of the internal wiring and give youaccess to a test socket on the right which provides a direct linkto the incoming BT line. Plug your microfilter into this andconnect your broadband router/modem. If your problems are instantlyfixed, you know the problem relates to your internal wiring ormicrofilters.

Check your internal wiring is correctly set up
If you have problems with your broadband randomly disconnecting orslow connection speeds, it could be caused by your extension socketwiring. Unscrew the faceplate of your master socket and look at thewires on the back of it. Only 2 and 5 should be connected. 1 and 6are not needed in the UK and 3 and 4 are now obsolete. If any ofthose wires are connected, gently pull them out, being careful notto disconnect 2 and 5. Screw the socket back together. You willneed to repeat the process with all the extension sockets in yourhouse.
Add a microfilter to the test socket If your broadband works fine when connected to the master testsocket, but not when the faceplate is put back on, there is asimple solution. It's not pretty and won't be to everyone's tastes,but it works well. Simply remove the faceplate, plug yourmicrofilter into the test socket, and then plug the faceplate'sconnector into the microfilter output. Finally connect yourbroadband cable to the filter.
Replace the master socket faceplate and check your microfilters If adding a microfilter to the test socket all works fine but youwant a tidier option, consider buying an NTE5 ADSL faceplate from www.solwise.co.uk/adsl_splitters.htm or www.adslnation.com/products/xte2005.php . They are very easy to fit.
Incorrectly placed microfilters are the cause of the majority ofbroadband errors. Every used phone socket in your house must have amicrofilter fitted to it. If you use a splitter, plug themicrofilter into the wall socket first, then connect the splitterto the microfilter. Don't get overzealous with filters though. Ifyou have two on a single phone socket, or an extension cable, thiscould cause problems.
Is there a problem with the line? If you're suddenly having trouble connecting to the internet andyou can hear noise on the line, it could well be a fault. BT cancheck this and identify the nature of the problem and its location(inside your house, outside, or at the exchange). To report asuspected fault either phone 151 from a BT line (or 0800 800 151)on a mobile or use the online checker here .
Line noise is probably caused by your microfilters either beingfaulty or not being connected properly (don't forget devices likeSky digiboxes and fax machines also need a filter). To troubleshootthe problem, disconnect all your ADSL equipment, including anyfilters so your telephone is all that's connected. Check if thenoise persists (you can do a quiet line test by dialling 17070 andselecting option 2). If it does, it's a line problem so contact BT.If it doesn't, connect your microfilter to the BT master socket,connect the phone and listen again. If you hear noise the filter isprobably faulty, try another one.


Help solving WIRELESS PROBLEMS (part Two)

Help solving SPEED PROBLEMS (part Three)

Help on finding the BEST BROADBAND DEAL (part Four)

BROADBAND CHECKLIST (part Five)